A Sherborne resident has warned that "someone is going to get hurt or even killed" unless the whole of the A30 into the town is reduced to a 30mph limit.

Sue Canessa lives on Yeovil Road, which is used by hundreds of motorists every day at the main road between Yeovil and Sherborne.

The road is currently subject to large amounts of roadworks, with three-way traffic lights in operation, as part of improvements to the A30 being carried as part of the Barton Farm housing development.

But Ms Canessa is deeply concerned about speeding on the road when the roadworks are not in operation - and believes that now is the time to do something about it.

Sue Canessa fears that people could get hurt if changes to the A30 are not made (Image: Daniel Mumby)

In a letter to Sherborne Town Council, she said that there was "a blatant disrespect" for the current speed limits on Yeovil Road.

The road has a 40mph limit approaching from the west until shortly after the BP garage, after which it becomes a 30mph zone as it moves into the town centre.

Ms Canessa said: "Coming from the west into Sherborne towards the traffic lights, there is a 40mph sign which is ignored if the lights are green: drivers just charge on through at top speed.

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"The cars, lorries and tractors are passing so fast, and the pavements are so narrow we fear for our lives, especially for schoolchildren and the elderly. It certainly is not safe for mobility scooters or pushchairs.

"People should take pity on the drivers trying to turn right out of Bradford Road – they can hardly see to pull out. Many a time there are small car parts in the gutter!"

Ms Canessa argues that the narrowness of the pavements along Yeovil Road mean that motorists are in genuine danger of being "nudged" or hit by speeding motorists as they come to or from the Kitt Hill section of the A30.

A scene of the A30 from the BP garage, near the turning into Barton Gardens (Image: Daniel Mumby)

She added: "Why, why, why, is the 30mph sign not near the traffic lights? Why have three signs encouraging 40mph and only one 30mph sign in a residential area, near a very busy petrol station with cars pulling in and out?

"Coming out of Sherborne from the east along Kitt Hill to Yeovil Road, the speeding is just as bad, and there is a blind bend.

"This part of the A30 is very dangerous, it’s not really fit for purpose.

She said: "More houses around here means more traffic, more speeding, more danger. Someone is going to get hurt or even killed if this speeding does not stop soon.

"If ever there was a site to place a 30mph sign on the A30 coming into Sherborne, it is before the traffic lights. If ever there was a time to do it, it is now, while the roadworks are in progress.

"I understand that with the roadworks the traffic will not be able to speed, therefore sending someone to check on my complaints may be pointless. However, if the sign can be moved there will not be so much disruption."

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The town council's planning committee voted to support Ms Canessa's campaign at its most recent meeting, which took place earlier this month.

Dorset County Council, which is responsible for highways improvements, has been approached for comment.

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